DEFRA’s statement dated 3 April 2024: The UK has self-declared zonal freedom from avian influenza (AI) for GB with effect from 29 March 2024. That was good news! Since March DEFRA has made the following announcements:

26 April 2023: Gatherings of all poultry and other captive birds, including ducks, geese and swans are permitted.

17 October 2024: Highly pathogenic AI H5N5 repeatedly detected in wild birds this autumn. Risk level of spread in wild birds increased from low to medium.

5 November 2024: Highly pathogenic H5N5 confirmed in commercial poultry, Yorkshire. Proceeding to culling. 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone in place around the premises.

Infectious agents rarely disappear for good. The nature of infectious disease appearance is one of ‘ebb and flow.’ Good quality biosecurity may also ebb and flow according to industries perceptions of ‘all clear’ but it shouldn’t. Good quality biosecurity will reduce risk of AI reappearance regardless of the number of reported cases.

Follow this link to view market-leading anti-influenza disinfectants, manufactured by Mirius-Coventry Chemicals, and assessed and approved by the UK Government’s Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for use against Avian Influenza.